Avoiding Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day: What the BBB Wants You to Know
Amazon Prime Day 2026 is just around the corner, and shoppers are already hunting for deals. Unfortunately, so are scammers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a warning about a surge in online shopping scams tied to this year’s event. Fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent social media ads are all on the rise. Here’s what you need to know to keep your money and personal information safe.
What Happened
The BBB’s warning, reported by WBKO on June 22, 2026, highlights an uptick in scams specifically targeting shoppers ahead of Prime Day. These scams often imitate legitimate retailers, including Amazon itself, and are designed to steal payment details or install malware. The BBB notes that scammers take advantage of the sense of urgency and excitement that comes with limited-time sales.
Why It Matters
During major sales events, consumers are more likely to click quickly and overlook red flags. According to the BBB, these scams can lead to significant financial loss, identity theft, or compromised devices. Even savvy shoppers can be fooled by a well-crafted phishing email or a realistic-looking fake website. Understanding how these scams work is the best defense.
What Readers Can Do
Here are practical steps to help you avoid common Prime Day scams, based on BBB recommendations.
Check the website carefully before buying.
Scammers often create sites that look nearly identical to Amazon or other retailers. Look closely at the URL. Legitimate Amazon pages will have “amazon.com” in the address, not a variation like “amaz0n-deals.com.” Also, check for “https://” and a padlock icon in the address bar—though this alone isn’t foolproof, as some fake sites also use them. Read reviews of the website from sources other than the site itself. If you’re unsure, go directly to Amazon’s homepage instead of clicking a link.
Be suspicious of deals that seem too good.
Deep discounts on in-demand products are a classic lure. If a price is drastically lower than elsewhere, it’s likely a scam. Compare prices across known retailers before committing.
Watch for phishing emails and texts.
Phishing messages often create urgency: “Your account will be suspended” or “Exclusive deal expires in 1 hour.” Look for generic greetings (like “Dear Customer”), misspellings, and suspicious sender addresses. For example, an email from “[email protected]” is not legitimate. Hover over links without clicking to see the actual destination. If in doubt, log in to your Amazon account directly (not through the message) to check for offers.
Use secure payment methods.
Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards or direct bank transfers. Avoid paying with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—legitimate sellers rarely require these. Also, consider using a virtual credit card number or a payment service like PayPal for an extra layer of security.
Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi.
Public networks are easy for attackers to intercept. If you must shop on a mobile device, use your cellular data or a VPN. Better yet, wait until you’re on a trusted home network.
Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.
This adds an extra step—usually a code sent to your phone—when logging in. Even if a scammer gets your password, they won’t be able to access your account without that second factor.
If you suspect you’ve been scammed:
Act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge and freeze your card if needed. Report the scam to the BBB’s Scam Tracker, to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and to Amazon if the scam involved their brand. You can also alert your local consumer protection office. The faster you act, the better your chance of recovering funds.
Sources
The information in this article is based on a report by WBKO (June 22, 2026) detailing the BBB’s warning ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2026. Additional fraud prevention guidance comes from general BBB consumer alerts and the FTC.
Stay cautious, double-check before you buy, and enjoy your Prime Day deals safely.